THE ESSENCE OF MENTAL HEALTH: DEFINITION, CRITERIA, EARLY MANIFESTATIONS OF DISORDERS

Abstract

Introduction. In modern conditions, there is a significant impact on a person of adverse external factors, which negatively affects a person’s mental health. Most often, the formation of neuropsychiatric disorders is due to stress, the cause of which is war, financial difficulties, loss of work or source of income, etc.Aim. The purpose of the publication is to analyze scientific, practical and theoretical investigations of mental health problem, to reveal the concept of mental health, to determine its criteria, signs of health deterioration and forms of psy- chological assistance aimed at preserving mental health.Scientific novelty. Due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, according to WHO, a quarter of Ukrainians are at risk of developing mental disorders in the future, and accordingly, more and more people will need psychological support.That is why it is important to study the mental health of individuals in modern conditions, early detection of symptoms of possible neuropsychiatric disorders, and the use of effective measures to preserve mental health.Results.The concept of “mental health” cannot be considered conceptually defined and unambiguous at the moment.As a result, there is no single definition of “mental health” today. In our opinion, mental health is characterized by the absence of symptoms and syndromes of mental disorder, the presence of social adaptation and allows a person to behave adequately and successfully adapt to the environment.The use of mental health criteria recommended by the WHO helps to determine the state of mental health. Negative effects on mental health are manifested by prolonged negative stressful situations, financial instability, uncertainty about the future, information overload, rapid social changes, a sedentary lifestyle, etc.Mental health deterioration is diverse and can manifest itself in various signs. Depending on their manifestations, it is possible to conditionally distinguish physiological (sleep disorders, appetite, digestive disorders, fatigue or excessive activity, motor inhibition or hyperactivity, pain of various localization), emotional and cognitive (anxiety, irritability, depression or elevated mood, decreased attention) and social signs (difficulties in communication, lack of life interests, motivation, alcohol and drug abuse, etc.) An effective way to maintain mental health is group psychological assistance, the use of art therapy, auto-training, etc.Important measures that ensure the strengthening and protection of a person’s mental health are the following: prevention of stressful conditions in the workplace; reduction of poverty; creation of comfortable living conditions; adherence to the principles of a healthy lifestyle, etc.